Strengthening monitoring approaches and practices: challenges, opportunities and perspectives

The concept note of the 2023 edition of gLOCAL emphasises that monitoring, alongside performance measurement and evaluation do not take place in a vacuum. Those functions need to be adapted to the local socio-demographic context and culture. They need to be embedded in an institutional context and broader socio, economic and political environment; finally, they need to be open to creative partnerships and pursue innovative solutions.
Against this backdrop, the recently completed synthesis of evidence and lessons from WFP's evaluations on performance measurement and Monitoring (2018-2021) can provide a broad backdrop to stimulate a discussion from different angles around the topical issues outlined in the conference concept note.
Specifically, the panel will tackle the following questions:
(1) How can the complementarity between the monitoring and the evaluation functions be strengthened? Which approaches are being explored to ensure greater synergy between the two functions – at different levels (corporate, regional, and country level)?
(2) What can be done to ensure greater balance between using monitoring data for accountability and reporting purpose, and monitoring data used to inform programme adjustments and learning?
(3) How can country-level monitoring and evaluation systems be set up and supported to be responsive to different demands? (i.a. demands of monitoring data for corporate performance measurement and reporting purposes; and demands for specific evidence from external stakeholders (including but not limited to donors).
The panel will be moderated by the WFP Office of Evaluation, drawing from the recent WFP evaluation synthesis on monitoring, and feature contributions from:
- FAO reflecting on the recent Evaluation Strategy (2023-2025) and ongoing initiatives around strengthening the monitoring function.
- the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) drawing on a series of think pieces and papers focusing on the future of M&E
- WFP Country Office Sudan showcasing some practical experience of ongoing efforts to ensure country-level monitoring and evaluation systems perform effectively and are fit for purpose.